Begich, Alaska Delegation meet with Gov. Parnell

Published: September 17, 2009

Gas line, OCS development, Denali Commission on agenda

Discussing a wide range of issues important to Alaskans, U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, along with Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Congressman Don Young, met with Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell in Washington, D.C., Sept. 17. The hour-long meeting was the first between the entire Alaska delegation and Gov. Parnell.

"This was an excellent opportunity for the delegation and Gov. Parnell to have an in-depth conversation about a number of issues we are all focused on for Alaska," Begich said. "I hope this is something we can do on a fairly regular basis as we were able to compare notes and talk about progress made and challenges still to be addressed."

Begich said the group discussed OCS development, including ways to encourage responsible development and how to work with the Department of Interior on its five-year OCS development plans.

They also discussed the Alaska natural gas pipeline and ways to kick start the project, encouraging producers to work together and bullet line possibilities; funding for the Denali Commission; transportation issues; the potential impacts and benefits for Alaska from the federal health care reform legislation; and ways to improve public safety in rural Alaska.

"With so many important issues on the table for Alaska, our pledge today was to work together as often as possible to improve and help our state and its residents," Begich said.
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